Facet Joint Injection

Having constant back pain can be very draining—physically and mentally. Having to calculate your every more so as not to cause further pain can deeply impact your quality of life. This can especially be the case if you have facet joint arthritis.

Our board-certified spine specialists at OrthoNeuro are experts in interventional pain management and have helped thousands find pain relief by means of facet joint injections. Schedule an appointment with us at one of our offices located throughout Greater Columbus today!

What Is a Facet Injection?

A facet joint injection is a minimally invasive needle-based procedure used to treat pain related to facet joint arthritis. Facet joint arthritis causes the facet joints of your spine to become inflamed, resulting in pain.

Your facet joints are small joints located at the back of your spine between each of your vertebrae. Although pain in your facet joints can be felt anywhere along your spine, it typically appears most commonly in both the cervical and lumbar regions. A facet joint injection is used specifically to treat chronic low back pain.

What Are Facet Joint Injections Used to Treat?

Facet joint injections are used to treat the inflammation of your facet joints that are causing localized spine pain, neck pain, and pain that can radiate slightly into your extremities. By using a mixture of corticosteroids and anesthetic medications, this procedure aims to decrease the inflammation resulting in back and neck pain.

Would I Be an Eligible Candidate For a Facet Joint Injection?

You may make an eligible candidate if your facet joint pain has not diminished or does not respond to conservative treatment, such as physical therapy or modifying your activity level for at least 3 months.

You may not make an eligible candidate if you:

• Are pregnant
• Have an infection
• Suffer from chronic bleeding

Additionally, if you are taking any blood thinning medications, you should inform your specialist so that they can advise you on whether it will be safe for you to stop taking them prior to your procedure.

How Is a Facet Joint Injection Procedure Performed?

Facet joint injections are performed on an outpatient basis (meaning you can return to your home the same day). This procedure can be completed in just a few minutes.

What to Expect During Your Facet Joint Injections Procedure

During your facet joint injection procedure, you should expect the following:

1. Before your procedure begins, your skin around the injection site will be sterilized.
2. During your procedure, we will use real-time X-Ray (fluoroscopy) to ensure the precise placement of the needle and the medication into the correct spinal joint.
3. General anesthesia is not needed, so you will be awake during this procedure. Your specialist will administer mild sedation and a local anesthetic before your facet joint block. The local anesthetic helps provide immediate pain relief.
4. Once the procedure is complete, the needle will be removed, and pressure will be applied to prevent bleeding.

You will be happy to note that little to no discomfort is experienced during or after the procedure.

Facet Joint Injection Recovery

You will be able to return home shortly after your procedure is complete. You may have some soreness around the injection site for a few days following your procedure. Your specialist will advise you to avoid driving and strenuous activity for the first 24 hours after your injection.

You will be able to resume all normal activities 24 hours after your procedure has been completed.

What Are the Side Effects of Facet Joint Injections?

While these injections are generally safe, as is the case with all medical procedures, there are some potential risks of side effects.

How Long Do the Results of Facet Joint Injections Last?

The results of your facet joint injection may last for many months; repeat injections may be performed, if needed, to maintain results.

Make an Appointment with an OrthoNeuro Spine Specialist Today

If you are interested in learning more about a facet joint injection and how it may benefit you, schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified spine specialists at one of our many convenient locations throughout Columbus, OH.

We will thoroughly evaluate your unique lifestyle and goals to determine if this type of back pain injection is best for you.